Friday, November 22, 2013

Day 182: Southwestern Aztec

Sweater: Purchased at The Dandy Lion Boutique
Chambray top: JCP
Tee: Purchased at Goodwill (white)
Jeans: Lucky Brand
Boots: Purchased at Target (brown)

I had plans today.  Had being the key word.  The snow came and it came hard!!!  Whatever I had planned to do could wait!  That didn't keep me from getting dressed however.  Normally, I would just say, "Well, no blog post today, I'm staying in my yoga pants and sweat shirt".  But, I realized I've been doing that A LOT lately.  So, I got dressed:)


Despite the three layers, I was still freezing!  

Okay, so let's talk layers!  How do you feel about wearing layers?  For me, I feel fatter than I already am.  Bulk is NOT my friend.  This is why I never wear a button down top under a sweater.  Too much bulk for me.  Plus, with my chest size being on the larger side,  adding more layers just makes them look bigger.  

Even though this is layers, they are open layers.  There is not bulk over my chest or stomach.  This is a great way to layer, without making yourself look bigger.

Belts are always a good option too!


Nate rarely ever smiles for pictures.  Y'all are all very lucky he is smiling for this one!

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Day 181: Last Dress of the Season!

Maxi Dress: Old Navy (black)
Jacket: Purchased from TJ Maxx (green)
Scarf: Purchased from Walmart
Shoes: Ballet flats purchased from Walmart
Bracelet: Purchased from Plato's Closet

I am willing to bet that this will be the last dress I wear casually this season.  Since there is snow on the ground and temperatures in the teens, I doubt I'll be wanting to wear anything but thick bulky layers for the next few months.  Since this is my first time ever living here, I have no idea what the winter will be like.  Maybe the snow will melt and we'll have 60 degree days again.  I just don't know.  But as of right now, all I want to do is sit in front of the fireplace and drink hot tea while wearing my sweats.  Glamorous isn't it?!

I'm sure I'll still wear dress and skirts to church on Sundays (some habits are just hard to break no matter how casual the church is).


I apologize for the blurriness and darkness of the picture.  I had to ask my 6 year old to take my picture today.  He isn't very patient and doesn't really pay attention to what he is doing. 

Happy Shopping,
Christin 

Monday, November 18, 2013

Day 180: 30 Day Mini Challenge!

Cardi: Old Navy (floral black and white)
Top: Banana Republic (green)
Skirt: J Crew, Purchased at Goodwill (black and white)
Shoes: Jellybeans (black)
Necklace: LOFT (multi jeweled tones)
Bracelets: Tiffany and Pandora
Earrings: Banana Republic (silver)

This skirt was probably my best Goodwill find EVER!  I found it brand spanking new hanging on the rack at the Dothan, AL Goodwill store for $4!!!  It had never been worn and was simple gorgeous.  It is a black and white tweed skirt in a chevron type print (can't remember the exact name of the print).  

I love it when I come across such great finds!  Have you ever found a gem while bargain shopping?  I'd love to hear about it!!!


I always give thomas a hard time about his picture taking skills.  However, today my husband took my pictures and these were the only two that didn't have his thumb in them.  In his defense, the sun was super bright and he could really see what he was doing.


On another note, I am half way though my challenge.  I know some days have been skipped, but illnesses happen and you don't want to see three straight days of my sick self in pajamas.  So, those days were skipped for your benefit and mine (I don't need blackmail photos out there:).  

I have had a lot of fun and I hope I have helped some of you find new ways to wear the clothes you already have.  This journey has been very eye opening for me.  I had a serious shopping addiction and it is only by God's grace and by doing this blog daily, that I have been able to keep up the motivation to not shop.  Yes, I have purchased a few items here and there, but they were replacements for items that were damaged or broken.  I no longer feel the rush I used to get when I shopped.  I go into a store looking for a specific replacement piece and if I don't find it, I leave.  Simple as that.  

I want to further encourage you to take a no shopping challenge yourself especially if you think you may have a shopping addiction.  Try to not shop for 30 days.  If that is easy for you then go for 60.  Pick the amount of time that is best for you.  Reflect on why you shop.  What do you feel while shopping and after shopping.  If you get a rush or high while shopping then feel regretful afterwards, you may have a problem like I did.  

Just try it out.  Be honest with yourself.  Write down your feelings in a journal.  It is also good to start writing down all the clothing items you buy.  This will help you keep track of how much you're buying and how often you are shopping.  Be sure to include the prices of each item.  Those little trips to Goodwill can add up over time.  

If you are interested in participating in a 30 mini-challenge, please let me know.  You can leave a comment here or email me at myclosetstyle365@yahoo.com  I would like to pray over you and offer you encouragement and tips.  

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Day 179: Sheer Love

Top: JCP (royal blue)
Jeans: Lucky Brand
Boots: Antonio Melani (black leather)
Necklace: Purchased from The Dandy Lion Boutique
Earrings: Purchased from Altar'd State

I love sheer tops!!!!  Of course, I wear them with a tank underneath (I don't understand the 'show your bra under your sheer top' trend).  

I have had this top for a while now, but have never worn it (at least, I don't remember having worn it).  One reason that I haven't worn it yet is this.  See, this top has a roll up the sleeves option.  You know what I'm talking about.  Roll up the sleeves and there is this little tab that buttons into a button towards the top of the sleeve.  Well, my problem with that a a sheer top is this.  Sheer tops are slippery.  I can't keep the sleeves rolled up.  they unroll and then I look stupid walking around like I don't know how to roll up a sleeve.  Can anyone relate to this???

It was so bad that I decided to just wear the sleeves down on this top.  

Okay, back to the outfit.  This was my grocery shopping day outfit.  I get tired of wearing my flats all the time (I sorta have to because of my knees) so today I decided I would wear my black leather (they feel like butter) boots.  


I made a mistake when taking this picture.  I didn't not wear my lack skinny jeans with this outfit.  I wore my Lucky Brand skinny blue jeans.  That is what happens when you keep a pile of your clothes on your bed for picture taking time then forget what you wore exactly.  Oops!


So, how about you.  Do you love sheer or do you stay away from it?  Why or why not?  

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Day 178: Fashionable at the Dentist Office

Top: Purchased at Plato's Closet (green)
Jeans: JCP (black)
Shoes: Purchased at Payless (sparkly gold)
Jewelry: All purchased at Plato's Closet and Altar'd State

My little guy (Nathaniel) ended up with three cavities at his last dental cleaning.  I'm not surprised because he has crowded teeth, grinds his teeth at night, has to be forced to brush his teeth twice a day, and never flosses.  He is the total opposite of his brother (Thomas) who brushes twice a day without me telling him to, flosses everyday and has beautiful straight evenly spaced teeth (okay, he did have braces, but that was for his buck teeth).


 Thomas was once again my photographer.  This was the least blurry of all the pictures he took.  Bless his heart, he tries:)

I really wanted to wear my animal print flats with this outfit, but I thought I'd show you all that I do own other flats.  These are sparkly gold flats that I bought from Payless years ago.  They are surprisingly comfortable.  Spending a lot of money on your shoes does NOT guarantee their comfort.  In fact, all of the shoes I have ever bought from Payless have always been very comfortable.  On the other hand, all of the shoes I have ever bought from Target always end up rubbing blisters on my feet.  I still buy them, and I still wear them, but not for long bouts of time.

What about you?  What are the most comfortable and most uncomfortable brands of shoe you have ever owned???

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Day 177: Yep, I Have a Sparkly Gold Sweatshirt

Top: Dorothy Perkins (gold)
Jeans: GAP
Shoes: GAP (metallic)
Earrings: Banana Republic (gold)

Doesn't everyone own a sparkly gold sweatshirt?  No?  Just me?  Oh well:)  I am a HUGE fan of sweatshirts.  As soon as my day is done, and I don't have to leave the house again, I immediately change into one of my oversized sweatshirts.  One is an Army Aviation OBC sweatshirt that I stole from my husband (have I mentioned he is a super hot Army helicopter pilot?).  The other is one that was given (yes, given) to me by a New York City street vendor.  I was pregnant with Nathaniel and visiting the city with friends.  The morning was chilly and I needed a sweatshirt.  I guess he felt sorry for me so he gave me a XL, NYC sweatshirt.  Proof that there are generous people in big cities.

Anyways, this gold sweatshirt isn't for lounging in.  Nope, it is one for strutting around town in.  Or in my case, going to Walmart (I have a very exciting life).   


A big current jean trend right now is wide legged jeans.  These just so happen to be wide legged jeans that I bought from the Gap Outlet.  You should be able to find jeans similar to these anywhere.  


Can you see the sparkle?  I always love clothing that has a little something special to it.  So, instead of wearing a plain Jane sweatshirt or t-shirt, look for one that has lace detail or sequins , or something else that makes it special.  Adding lace detail or a jeweled neckline is super simple and something you can do yourself.  

Check out Pinterest for some DIY motivation and inspiration.  

I'll pick out a piece of clothing out of my closet to spruce up and I'll share the finished project with you all within the next few weeks.

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Day 173-176: My Trip to Los Angeles!!!


Day 1- This is what I wore on the plane.  My Peter Pan collar polka dot top from Forever 21 with my Maroon pullover from old Navy.  I paired that with my boyfriend jeans from GAP and my favorite animal print flats.  

Very comfy and practical airport attire!  Better than the girls in front of me going through the security line.  Why would you wear complicated zip up boots to the airport when you know who have to take them off???


Day 2 - My second day in LA was a super duper blast (like all the days)!  I have pictures below of what all I did, so right now I'll stick to the clothes.  After a Mark McGrath concert (yes ladies, the super hot lead singer of Sugar Ray) we went to the ultra hip and trendy bar/restaurant Sur.  Apparently one of those 'Real Housewives' owns the place and she has her own reality show that centers around the employees that work there.  Two of the guy bartenders from the show where working that night.  One was named Jax.  I have no idea about the other.  Apparently Jax is a big draw because skanky girls were throwing themselves at him and bulldozing us over to get a picture with him.  Stupid!

Anyways, the outfit.  I wore my animal print tank with my green military jacket.  My skinny black jeans and my new (to replace the ones I broke a few weeks ago) Mary Jane pumps.  I accessorized with my adorable elephant necklace and gold Coach purse.  Oh, and that is not a mojito in my hand ;)


Day 3 - On Sunday night we went to the Pantages Theatre to watch Evita.  So, I was all dressed up in my Target cocktail dress (plum color), my Banana Republic jacket (purchased second hand from somewhere) and my Mary Jane pumps.  I no longer on the dress however.  I decided it was more suited for Zanne, so I gave it to her.  Zanne also believes I am the only person still alive that wear panty hose. Maybe so, but my legs are way to pale to go without.

Oh, and this picture was taken while we were waiting on the subway to take us to Hollywood Boulevard so we could watch the show.



Day 4 - Time to say goodbye:(.  Another airport appropriate outfit.  This time I wore my military jacket over a black and white stripe tank.  I wore my Lucky Brand jeans, animal print flats and animal print scarf as well.  Plus, I have on no make-up.  Eek!!!

This picture was taken in the lobby of Zanne and Bill's apartment complex in downtown LA.  The building use to be the old train terminal (I think) or subway...something.


Okay, now on to some of the fun things I did while in LA.

Day 1 - I had a chili cheeseburger from Tommy's.  All I can say is that it was AMAZING!!!!!!!


Day 2 - Enjoyed morning yoga on the beach in Santa Monica.  Umm, the water was COLD!  The scenery was beautiful!  I wish I lived near a beach so I could do it everyday!


Day 2 - Celebrated my 32nd birthday at SUR.  The waited brought us cobbler with a flaming candle (firework really) and sand to me.  I may or may not have been a little tipsy in this picture:)


Day 3 - Walked down Hollywood Boulevard on our way to the Pantages Theatre to watch Evita.  Very cool!


Day 3 - Rode on the subway on the way to the theatre.  I have now ridden on the subway in New York City and Los Angeles.  


Day 3 - My first time eating a raw oyster thank you very much!  I honestly don't see what all the fuss is about.  All I could taste was the cocktail sauce.  And I love me some cocktail sauce:)!!!


Day 3 - Zanne and I outside of the Pantages.  Words can not describe how beautiful that theatre is!  Gorgeous!!!


Day 4 - Since I had an evening flight, we had plenty of time to do some fun stuff earlier in the day.  We hiked in the Hollywood hills.  I saw the Hollywood sign from a distance.  It isn't as big as one may think.


We also stopped at the observatory since we were in the area.  The views around LA are amazing!  



Minus the one dead rat I saw on the sidewalk, I can honestly say LA is an amazing place and I can't wait to visit again!

Thank you so much Zanne and Bill for your amazing hospitality!  I had a blast and can't wait to come back!

Happy Shopping and Happy Travels,
Christin

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Day 172: Before the Onset

Top: Dorothy Perkins (cream)
Jeans: JCP (black)
Shoes: ? (animal print)
Earrings: Banana Republic (gold)
Bracelets: ? (gold and wood)



The title of today's blog post reflects the fact that on this day I was feeling pretty well.  However, for the next two days, I was fighting a nasty cold.  I apologize that I don't have pictures to share of Tuesday or Wednesday. 

It is no fun being sick!

Despite the fact that I felt a cold coming on, I had errands to run before my birthday weekend trip to Los Angeles to visit with my friend Zanne and her husband Bill.  See, Zanne's birthday was in September (same day as my son Nathaniel's).  I wanted to bring her 'Colorado' things.  I ran around all day gathering gifts from all over Colorado Springs.  And I looked fabulous while doing it;)



If you've never shopped at Dorothy Perkins, I highly recommend that you start!  At least go online and check them out.  They offer super cute clothes that are very affordable.  Plus, they carry a huge selection of everything (including maternity clothes)!!!

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Monday, November 4, 2013

Day 171: Totally Pinterest Inspired!

Cardi: Banana Republic (periwinkle)
Skirt: Purchased at the Fort Rucker Thrift Shop (brown)
Boots: Belk (brown)

I received 100% of the inspiration for this outfit on Pinterest.  I would love to show you the inspiration picture, but I can't figure out how to save the image from Pinterest to my phone without just doing a screen shot.  So that's what I did!!!  



Anyways, I found this skirt at a thrift shop.  It looked just like the inspiration outfit skirt so I had to buy it.  As you all know, I had this cardi for a while but due to my lack of knowing how to sew on a button, the cardi stayed in the closet until the button situation could be resolved.  

Now that everything was fixed, I could finally pull this outfit together and see if I looked as good wearing it as the size 0 chick in the inspiration photo did.


It's a little dark, but I think I pulled it off.  I am not a fan of wearing my cardi's buttoned up, but once in a while is fine.  I think next time I will leave the cardi unbuttoned.

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Day 170: Fancy Date Night!

Cardi: Cremieux (cream with gold sequence)
Dress: Maurices (black)
Shoes: Marc Jacobs (gold and black)

My husband and I had a fancy schmancy date night tonight!  I was so excited to get out and spend some alone time with him at a really nice restaurant with really amazing food!  Plus, I got to dress up and I love to dress up!

The best part of my outfit tonight was having an excuse to break out my they-stay-in-the-box-all-the-time-because-they-are-so-expensive Marc Jacobs shoes.  I only have two pairs of shoes that I keep in their original shoe box.  These Marc Jacobs shoes and a pair of very special Steve Madden shoes (I wore them when I met Paula Deen).  All the rest of my shoes are on shoe racks, most collecting dust.

Anyways, although these are genuine Marc Jacobs shoes, I didn't spend a lot of money purchasing them.  In fact, I found these puppies while shopping at a department store closing sale.  I was drawn to the brand name (shameful I know!).  However, it was the price that sold me.  These shoes were originally priced at $365.00.  I however, bought them for $70.00.  That is still a lot for me to spend on non-essentail shoes, but I couldn't pass them up!

       
Sorry for the spooky red eyes!  Blue eyes and camera flashes don't mix well:)

Question: Have you ever come across a deal that was too good to pass up?  Have you ever gotten an amazing deal on a high end designer item?  Spill!  I want to hear all about it!

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Day 169: Burgundy Love

Top: Old Navy (burgundy)
Jeans: Lucky Brand
Boots: Bongo (brown)
Scarf: Old Navy (floral)


When I was 12 years old if you would've asked me what my favorite color was, I would've said burgundy.  Not sure what kid has burgundy as their favorite color, but it was my favorite color until I was in my early 20's.  I had rooms painted this color, I had loads of clothes (including several pairs of pants and shoes) this color.  I even had my bridesmaids wear burgundy dresses.  I was a little obsessed:).

Now, I just have this sweater, one short sleeved top, one dress and one purse that are burgundy.  Not too bad.  


Does your favorite color translate into your wardrobe?  Do you find yourself wearing your favorite color often or not?  

I personally get on color/theme kicks.  I'm sure you all have noticed that by now:)  I love all thing animal print and polka dot.  I would buy everything mustard colored (if I could shop) out there.  

What are your favs???

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Day 168: A Grease Story

Top: Banana Republic (brown)
Jeans: Lucky Brand
Boots: Belk (brown)

I LOVE this sweater!!!  It is super soft and warm.  Perfect for the weather up here!  The only problem was that it had a HUGE grease stain on it.  My sweet baby decided that while I was fixing her hair she would stick her hand in her hair cream then wipe her hands all over my sweater (I was wearing it at the time).  

Her hair cream is an olive oil based product.  I knew it would be difficult to get the stain out, but I knew it could be done!  I washed it several times and when that didn't work, I soaked the sweater in warm water and Dawn dish soap.  Guess what???  The stain finally came out (mostly).  My sweater is finally wearable again.

I'm pretty sure Dawn is a miracle product!   Just saying.


Have you ever had a piece of clothing that got stained and you worked yourself crazy trying to get the stain out?  It always seems to happen to the pieces you love the most.  

Where you able to get the stain out?  Please share your stain removal secrets!!!


Happy Shopping,
Christin